Can you help me? I have a big favor to ask. In all the years I have been writing this column, I have tried not to be too self-indulgent. Yes, I have blathered on about my wild and unusual family of kids, pets, youth sports and domestic drama because I felt some of the stories were funny, silly, gut wrenching or just downright interesting. And, readers have responded. They write to me often saying they have walked with me through it all and can identify with some of the crazy things I've shared with them.

But, this time, it's different — just pure self-indulgence. This column is like eating a box of premium chocolates all by myself because I feel like it. I am not going to type a long list of excuses or pretend this isn't all about me. It's totally about me! But, I can't do it without you.

The favor I am asking is huge. Can you please help me save my favorite TV show from getting canceled?

Here's the deal. I have spent most of my life in the minority. I have unusual tastes and don't like what other people like. I'm a woman who despises soap operas, loves the National Football League and a big, old bright green pet iguana named Spy. While most women screech at the sight of a mouse or snake, I don't even flinch when I see them. In fact, I am more inclined to pick up such creatures with my bare hands out of necessity (because someone else is afraid and screaming and wants it removed) or curiosity.

While most folks love summer, I'm passionate about winter, the colder the better. I get insanely happy when the thermometer dips below 32 degrees and the snow begins to fly.

Unlike most people, I adore cleaning and throwing things out. I'm confident I could turn a horrific hoarder's home into the Taj Mahal in a matter of hours if you would simply issue me a pair of rubber gloves, some cleaning rags, a bucket, a mop, some Mr. Clean and a sizable Dumpster.

And, if you need any more proof that I'm a certified weirdo, consider some of my favorite foods. I actually love to eat stuff that's good for you even though most people find it repulsive. For instance, there's almost nothing better than oatmeal. I especially love the very chewy grains in health food store granola.

Another food hated by most is coconut. I'm obsessed with it. While other children wretched at the site of it, I was the kid who always hoped for a Mounds bar or Almond Joy on Halloween.

When it comes to licorice, I hate red and love black.

And, while others bypass my favorite on the pickle tray, I can easily eat a whole jar of green olives stuffed with pimentos.

Now are you convinced I'm an alien, a member of a bizarre subculture of the human species or more than just a little bit different?

That's why I need your help with the TV show. I don't even like TV, except for this one show. Usually I watch football, basketball, hockey or baseball. I've been known to watch all 162 regular season Red Sox games. Occasionally I watch movies, but I'm very picky. So, the fact that I even have a favorite TV show is improbable.

The tragedy is, it is not catching on with viewers and we all know what that means — goodbye show.

That's where you come in. Watch my show and get those Nielsen ratings to soar! It's called "Prime Suspect" and airs every Thursday night at 10 o'clock on NBC. It's based on a critically acclaimed British show of the same name starring the great Helen Mirren. The new American version of "Prime Suspect" stars Maria Bello as New York City homicide detective Jane Timoney. The show's website describes Jane as "rude abrupt and occasionally reckless," but an incredible detective.

The men detectives pretty much hate her, so she has to operate in a hostile workplace. They call her names like "Serpi-hoe," an insulting bastardization of the NYPD cop Al Pacino made famous in the biographical movie "Serpico."

Jane is always up against it in the male-dominated profession. Another of her colleagues called her "Eliot Dress," a rude reference to Eliot Ness of "The Untouchables."

The show is dark, gritty, smart and well written. You can see every open pore on Bello's face. Her hair's a mess and, when she's working a case, even her fingernails look dirty.

Can you help me out and check out this show, please? I love it. If Jane Timoney were real, I just know she would have a pet iguana and would eat coconut, black licorice and green olives stuffed with pimentos.

Watch the show and I promise you will be hooked. I also promise not to write another self-indulgent column for another 10 years. But, I have to tell you, self-indulgent feels really good once in awhile.

Mary Pat Rowland is the managing editor of Foster's. Her e-mail address is mprowland@fosters.com.